FDA Launches New Consumer-Friendly Food Recall Tool

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today launched a new consumer-friendly search tool for consumers to find food and product recalls. The new search engine is the result of new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) that mandated FDA design an easier-to-use search tool within 90 days of the new law.

The new table format replaces a scroll-down format and organizes information from news releases on recalls since 2009 by date, product brand name, product description, reason for the recall and the recalling firm. The table also provides a link to the news release on each recall for more detailed information.

For recalls conducted under the act, FDA must indicate whether the recall is ongoing or completed. Prior to passage of FSMA, FDA did not have mandatory recall authority for food products, other than infant formula.

Recalls, mandatory or otherwise, are serious and we must do everything possible to make it easier for people to know about these recalls so they can take all appropriate steps to protect themselves and their families," said Mike Taylor, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods. We encourage people to check out our new recalls search page for themselves, and use it whenever they have a question about a recall."

FDA consulted with several stakeholder groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumers Union, Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufacturers Association, the Pew Health Group and Safe Tables Our Priority, in redesigning the website.